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Wednesday, 18 December 2013

Interview Tips

Interview Tips

All
that hard work sending out résumés has finally paid off and you've been
called in for a face-to-face job interview. Congratulations! This is an
important next step in your job search. It's also your only chance to
make a lasting first impression. On the day of your interview, sweating
palms and stomach butterflies are to be expected. But you can reduce
your stress level by knowing some common mistakes that interviewees make
when meeting with potential employers -- and avoiding them.

Here are 10 of the most common mistakes people make on job interviews:

* 1

Not taking the interview seriously:
Don't make the mistake of thinking the interview is just a formality.
Even if all the preliminaries have gone well, don't be cavalier and
start imagining how you'll start spending your new salary. The biggest
error you can make is to assume that, because you've gotten this far,
the job is in the bag.
Read more after the break...

*2

Dressing down:
How you present yourself during your initial meeting with a potential
employer is very important, and your physical appearance can speak
volumes to someone who is meeting you for the first time. Even if you
know that the firm allows employees to wear jeans, don't sabotage
yourself by showing up to the interview in casual clothing. Err on the
side of conservative and show up in neat, professional clothing,
preferably a business suit.

*3

Not showing why you're the best choice:
Be familiar with the job description of the position you're
interviewing for so you can illustrate how your experience, abilities,
and strengths are in line with the company's needs. Many potential
employers want to know why they should hire you specifically. Make it
clear to them.

*4

Being too modest:
Failing to talk yourself up during an interview is one of the most
self-defeating mistakes you can make. This is not the time for humility,
so sing your praises! Don't be afraid to talk up everything you've
accomplished, whether in school or in previous companies. This is your
time to shine.

*5

Talking too much:
Be careful not to talk over the interviewer. This meeting should be a
two-way conversation, and many interviewees cover up their nervousness
by blathering on. Sit calmly and listen carefully, answering questions
thoughtfully.

*6

Focusing on the funds:
Don't start talking about money too soon into the interview. Focusing
on your salary requirements and previous salary history right off the
bat may cause you to reveal too much. While the topic of salary will
certainly come up, follow the interviewer' s lead. He or she may be
saving that topic for a later conversation.

*7

Trash talking:
Even if you hated your former boss or felt you were treated unfairly by
your previous employer, a job interview is not the place to launch into
a litany of complaints. Don't go there. If you were laid off or fired
from a previous position, be prepared with an explanation that puts a
positive spin on the circumstances.

*8

Failing to ask questions:
Your résumé may be impressive on paper, but employers also appreciate a
candidate who can ask several intelligent questions during an
interview. Prepare at least 3 or 4 questions in advance to ask the
interviewer. Interviews are an exchange of information, and not having
questions to ask can reveal a lack of preparation.

*9

Lack of enthusiasm:
This is your first and sometimes only chance to showcase your
personality. Don't walk in announcing how you're having a bad day. Be
polite and upbeat. Show your enthusiasm for both the job and the
opportunity to interview for it. And don't forget to thank the person at
the end of the interview!

*10

Forgetting the follow-up:
Make sure to send a handwritten thank-you note or polite email to the
interviewer expressing gratitude for his or her time and consideration.
And while you don't want to start calling the company on a daily basis, a
phone call checking in a week after the interview is perfectly
acceptable.